NHL Rumors IV: Brendan Shanahan Talks Maple Leafs

“There are good pieces. I think the team is maybe not as good as some of their best months and not as bad as some of their worst months. But there are definitely pieces I’m comfortable with.”

On the possibility of removing the “C” from Dion Phaneuf.

“No not at all,” Shanahan said when asked about contemplating a change with the Leafs captaincy. “As a matter of fact, I hope to help Dion be a better captain. He’s got a lot of want and desire.

“ somebody that I can meet with, consult with, give some of my experience to. I would like to enhance his leadership qualities. And also surround him with more leaders.

“I think it’s an impossible task in any market, especially in Toronto, to put all that responsibility on any one guy.”

On the Leafs systems:

“There are some things about the system that were identified, applications of who was on the bench and like I said the mix, where the message wasn’t getting through. That to me will be an important adjustment that needs to be made.”

Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “Not surprised by Shanahan’s comments, WE’VE been talking about Leafs not shopping Phaneuf & OTHERS have talked about his demise.” … “The Leafs will trade Dion before stripping him of the C. Stripping Phaneuf of the C is not something the Leafs will do”

James Mirtle: “Why on earth would the Leafs extend their coach with what’s unfolding in Pittsburgh?”

Kevin McGran: Shanahan on removing the captaincy from Phaneuf: “I hope not. It’s not something I’ve contemplated in the time that I’ve been here.” … “I don’t know if (stripping C) is a solution. I think it’s a cop-out, to a certain degree an easy way out.”